Educational Choices

When our oldest child was born, we knew we would be faced with the decision as to when he should begin school. He was born 5 weeks premature and just before the ‘cut-off’ to begin school. So, the question we would have to answer is: Should he start school according to his birthday, or the day he should have been born?

We thought about and prayed over that decision for several years.

Once we made our decision, we felt peaceful about it.

It wasn’t long before we had two more children and we no longer thought about when we should send any of them to school, but where.

Schools in our country have been changing. Many are changing for the better while others seem to be struggling.

At the core of each, is a fundamental need to decide what is best for all of the children in America.

Schools originated as a way to further a child’s Religious education. However, Horace Mann, the progressive movement and the desire for the American Dream have changed that purpose.

Some view that as good, others do not.

Regardless of where you stand on the topic, the truth is our schools are struggling.

Our children are struggling.

Every child should have the opportunity for a good education. Families should be able to make the best decision possible for each of their children and our Nation should come together and realize that while all parents want to do what is best, many are strapped financially to help their children in a way they desire.

It’s easy to say: “Oh, send them to this school,” or “You should homeschool.”

It’s easy telling someone else what they should do. However, you really can’t begin to understand what is best for each child or family until you walk in their shoes, spend time with the family and fully open your eyes, ears and heart to what that individual truly needs.

Homeschool families do work hard to find what works best for their families. However, like families who utilize public and private schools, we should never tell another family what they should do for their children. While we can say ‘what we do’, we should always be supportive and remember that each family is different. Each child is different. Therefore, every family should decide what is best for each individual child and – we, as friends and family should support others – especially people who make decisions different from our own.

After all, we are different – we homeschool – we are thankful for that ability and we don’t want someone else telling us what to do or how to do it – unless they really can walk with us and help us improve how we are running our school.

So, I think it’s time to realize – each family, each child is different. Let’s all stop arguing about what is best and let’s give parents some grace and understanding.

Let’s accept others – their choices and be thankful that at this moment, we do have the freedom to choose.

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